Hospital Bag Essentials

July 5, 2017

The nursery is ready. The freezer is stocked. The emergency contact list is obsessively printed out and has been distributed. And my bags are officially packed. Ok kid, we’re as ready as we’re going to be.

Speaking of bags, I wanted to share some of the essentials that I’m taking with me, focusing once again on keeping as simple as possible.

Slippers: Their usage is obvious, but the tip I received was to get some cheap, open-back slippers that you can easily get on and off, and then trash afterwards. Because let’s face it, you don’t really want to wear slippers at home that have seen hospital floors.

Skip Hop Versa Diaper Bag: While this post is all about what’s in my hospital bag (which is just a cheap Old Navy gym bag), I’m also bringing the baby’s diaper bag, which will be filled with a few sizes of pre-washed outfit to come home in, blankets, some diapers, wipers, and a pacifier.

Comments

I would hold off on bringing the diaper bag or too much for the baby. The hospital will provide everything and they may lose whatever you provide. I brought a special hat and the coming home outfit and that’s it. I’d hate to lose a $50 blanket. The hospital will give you nursing pads too so stock up on that stuff there too but it’s nice to already have it at home so you don’t have to worry about it. It’s up to you but I keep things to a minimal and both times the staff commented how low maintenance and easy I was to work with.

I really wanted the reusable nursing pads to work for me (hello pollution) but honestly when your milk comes in and you are engorged and leaking everywhere you will go through six pairs in a day. I was happy I had some samples of the disposable ones to tide me over until I could prime some.